A Greek Nationwide Survey About Sources of Information on Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Used by Healthcare Facility Staff During the Pandemic.

Abstract

Background: Workers in healthcare facilities can encourage and serve as role models for the general population regarding vaccination. The information source preferences of employees in healthcare facilities can play an important role in their decisions to receive COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccinations (SIVs). A study of specific channels of information and their impact on vaccine acceptance could provide valuable insights. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted during the first semester of 2021 among 2592 staff members in healthcare facilities (primary, secondary and tertiary). Results: Higher odds of seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) acceptance were found among staff who were informed by the National Public Health Organization (NPHO) (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.47, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.13-1.90), the Hellenic Ministry of Health (HMH) (aOR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.16-1.94) and the Healthcare Facilities Infection Control Committees (ICC) (aOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06-1.73). Professionals who were more willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine were more likely to obtain information from television (aOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.08-1.92), the ICC (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.03-1.81), the NPHO (aOR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.28-2.28) and the HMH (aOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.26-2.26). Social media presented no statistically significant association with either COVID-19 vaccine acceptance or SIV. Conclusions: Workers in healthcare facilities who received information from highly credible organizations were more likely to accept vaccines. Television was effective in disseminating COVID-19 vaccine campaigns.